After a week of rumors, the news of the Miami Dolphins signing Brent Grimes came as no surprise. The signing was just the latest move by the Dolphins as they continue to re-work their roster. It is clear that the organization is pushing hard to return to relevance, and they felt Grimes was a key part of the ongoing transformation. For his part, Grimes appears to have bought in to the new and improved mentality, and said as much during a conference call with reporters.

“I picked Miami because I think they are building something great here and I would love to be a part of it. They really showed a lot of interest in having me here. That played a major role in me deciding to come to Miami”

This is a far cry from the perceived attitude that appeared to loom over the franchise in seasons past. It had seemed as though no one wanted to come to Miami to play, a suspicion that was apparently corroborated when Pittsburgh Steelerssafety Ryan Clark spoke just those words on the NFL Network. With a glaring record of public rejection as proof, it was hard for anyone to argue Clark’s pointed comments.

The difference in a year is nothing short of amazing, but the Dolphins’ organization is doing more than just going through lip service when it comes to change. They are truly shifting the perception of their identity, one step at a time.

It was the management’s dedication to this new identity that pushed Grimes into making Miami his new home. When he was asked about the interest the team had in him, Grimes pointed out that nearly every level of the Dolphins organization reached out to him while he was deciding. From Jeff Ireland, through to the defensive backs coach, they all contacted Grimes after he had been to the facility, each expressing how much they wanted him to be a part of what was going on in Miami.

In the end, Grimes saw that signing with the Dolphins was his best shot at being on a team that was heading towards the top of the NFL. While the Dolphins will surely select a defensive back, or two, during the upcoming NFL Draft, Grimes could easily be a jewel in a defense that is coming together nicely.